Fort Halstead Consultation Days - Review

Three days of public consultation at Fort Halstead benefited from the attendance of more than 650 hundred local people. Held in late April and early May, each event included a presentation of the proposed development approach, a 20-panel illustrated exhibition, extensive opportunities to talk to Simon O’Donnell of Hines and key members of the professional team both in a plenary session and one-to-one, and a four-hour long planning workshop that focused on the site masterplan.

In addition to doubts and concerns, the many views that people expressed included considerable enthusiasm for the benefits that regeneration can bring to the area in terms of housing, employment, facilities and services.

In terms of issues raised, the three main topics were transport, education and community, while outdoor / green space, housing and scale were also discussed.

The feedback has been highly productive in forging understanding and in helping the team to align the proposals with local needs and aspirations as these are developed.